hought, so shall it come to pass; and as I have purposed, so shall
it stand."[493]

The covenant was commanded. When God said, "I have made the earth, and
created man upon it: I, even my hands, have stretched out the heavens,
and all their host have I commanded," He spake of that omnipotent word
by which he commanded all their hosts, at least into existence. And,
accordingly, we are to understand the testimony, "He hath commanded his
covenant for ever,"[494] as implying not merely that it should endure
for ever, but that to his almighty mandate are its origin and
continuance due. This the Psalmist celebrates when he sings of Zion,
"There the Lord commanded the blessing, even life for evermore."[495]
And this, too, in addressing the children of Zion, and the God of Zion,
he records. "Thy God hath commanded thy strength: strengthen, O God,
that which thou hast wrought for us."[496] In like manner, are the
blessings of that covenant thus announced:--"The Lord shall command the
blessing upon thee in thy storehouses, and in all that thou settest
thine hand unto; and he shall bless thee in the land which the Lord thy
God giveth thee." And is thus declared, that obedience to its
requirements was ordained, "He hath remembered his covenant for ever,
the word which he commanded to a thousand generations: which covenant he
made with Abraham, and his oath unto Isaac; and confirmed the same unto
Jacob for a law, and to Israel for an everlasting covenant." By
the Lord of all, obedience to his law is enjoined. But what is
requisite that duty be performed, is from him. And all needful aid he
ordained. His law exhibits what he demands. The allotments of his
providence illustrate the necessity of submission to him; and the
pre-determinations of his will secure the services which he accepts.
His laws are perfect. With the arrangements of his providence they
harmonize. On the absolute perfection of his nature they are founded.
All who obey them declare their approval of his purpose. To encourage
such, his purposes are revealed. Because his covenant was commanded, it
was made known. Its revelation, with its other provisions, leads to the
attainment of its end. And it shall continue. Its benefits will be
confessed, and its obligations respected and fulfilled. Contemplating
its demands as promulgated by the authority of God, these they will
endeavour to satisfy in accordance with his sovereign decrees. The
wicked disobey his commandments, but